Know when it is time to say goodbye to your car

Some people love their car. And when you love something, it can be hard to let go. But sometimes you should let go of the things you love. Especially when they’re basically falling apart. These are the four signs that indicate that you might want to invest in a new car.

1. The car is not safe

If you fear for your life while driving your car, because it might stop working properly when you’re driving it, then it is time to say goodbye. Because your safety comes first. So if you have to hit the break a certain way because ‘it won’t work otherwise’ or if you have to manually hold the mirrors up because they don’t adjust anymore, then your car isn’t safe.

If you have a really old car, you might even be dealing with old security systems in your car. New cars are up to date on the latest security requirements. If your car is not, you’re unnecessarily exposing yourself to danger. So, even though it is hard, let your car go and get a new one.

2. It only works sometimes

Nothing is more annoying than being stranded every other day. If your car keeps failing you and you can never be sure whether your car will actually get you where you are going, then it is failing to fulfill its purpose. And why would you want a car that can’t get you places?

3. Parts are hard to find

If your mechanic hates it when you come along because your car always needs the most hard to find parts, you might want to make it easier for them (and yourself) to upgrade to a newer model. Because eventually, it might not be possible to even get parts anymore. And then you’re already too late. So buy that new car before the old one can’t be fixed anymore.

4. Cost of repairs are high

Sometimes it feels like the cheaper option: car repairs usually cost less than a brand new car. But if you have to get your car fixed every month, it might be cheaper to actually buy a new one. So look at the costs and whether they are still less than the car is worth. If the repairs cost more than your car would sell for, than there is no use in paying to get it fixed. Brian V. Savoy, senior manager of physical damage and estimatics at Metromile, told Real Simple that this is the general rule. He said: “Before spending on repair, vehicle owners should also ask themselves if that repair will add or support the vehicle’s current value.”

If any of these statements apply to you, then the time to say goodbye has come. And maybe looking for a new car might be just as exciting as driving your old rusty barrel.